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Here are Heinan Landa's favorite smartphone and tablet apps. As CEO of Optimal Networks, Landa has been providing managed IT services — including a premier corporate cloud solution and business-focused strategic IT consulting — to hundreds of clients since 1991. He is also a contributing writer for The Business Journals.

My smartphone: Apple iPhone 5

My tablet: Apple iPad Air

My five favorite apps

1. Evernote

I love this app and use it multiple times every day. In addition to taking notes, Evernote allows me to attach files and pictures to my “notes,” sort them into notebooks, and search for specific words or phrases. Plus, it syncs with all my devices so that after I create the agenda for our all-company meeting (with my talking points attachment), I can easily pull it up on my phone. Don’t underestimate its usefulness at the grocery store (you can check off items!) or during situations in which you must absorb large amounts of unfamiliar information (like a doctor’s office), either.

2. LinkedIn

Predictable, but oh-so-practical. This app is easier to use than the actual LinkedIn website and is great for allowing me to quickly scan what is happening, make a quick post, or find some new contacts. And because this app is so convenient, it is a great way to productively use downtime and increase my engagement on this worthwhile professional networking site.

3. Citrix Receiver

This is the gateway into Optimal Network’s Hosted Cloud Desktop solution, OptimalSphere. I use this app a million times a day because it allows me to access all of my documents, files and projects as if I were sitting in my office, at my desktop. I can also use this app to dive into our client relationship management (CRM) system to make a quick note or check on the progress of an ongoing project or opportunity.

4. Audible

I’m an avid reader and there is never enough time for all the business (and personal) books I want to read. Enter Audible. This app allows me to download books to listen to in my car via my Bluetooth connection. The best feature? You can adjust the speed at which the narrator is reading the book to you! It makes dead time (like long commutes) productive again — and I’ve never gotten through my “to-read” list so quickly.

5. TwomonUSB

Optimal Networks is a two-monitor office. Everyone has two monitors because it markedly increases productivity. For years, I had been searching for a reliable way to make my iPad a competent second monitor for my laptop when I’m traveling. There are apps that try to do this through Wi-Fi, but they just don’t cut it. This is the first app that allows for the direct connection between an iPad and a computer with the USB charging cable — making it actually usable! It is genius and I use it constantly.

My favorite app for fun

The one app that I use frequently for fun is my Kindle app. When I purchased this app, I instantaneously was in the world’s largest bookstore. The book supply is endless and you can use the app on any mobile device. It syncs your reading location with every other Kindle product (apps, the Kindle device, and your computer) so that if you want to pick up right where you left off when you were reading your Kindle in bed, but now you are in line at the grocery store, you can make it happen.

As CEO of Optimal Networks, Heinan Landa has been providing managed IT services—including a premier corporate cloud solution and business-focused strategic IT consulting—to hundreds of clients since 1991. After earning his BS and MS from Johns Hopkins and an MBA from Wharton, Heinan crafted Optimal’s business plan with heavy emphasis on corporate culture. He and the self-professed “Optimalites” use their high spirit to fuel a commitment to unwavering client service and technology guidance.